Sometimes the pain we experience can be so severe that ordinary painkillers cannot control it. Do you also have such severe pain? When other painkillers have not worked or you cannot tolerate them, a doctor may prescribe you a powerful medication like this. This is a combination of two drugs called oxycodone and aspirin. Today, we will talk about this in detail, very simply.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of drugs.
1. Oxycodone: This is a powerful painkiller. In medicine, we call this an ``Opioid'' type of drug. It works by blocking pain signals to the brain. It's like closing the path that carries the pain message.
2. Aspirin: You may have heard of this one. It belongs to the category of ``NSAIDs''. That means Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. Its main function is to reduce swelling and inflammation in the body.
So when these two are combined, they have a great ability to control severe pain . This medicine can be seen in the market under names like `(Endodan)`, `(Percodan)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before using this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Bleeding | Bleeding disorders or problems with blood clotting. |
| Head and brain | Brain tumors, head injuries, seizures. |
| Digestive system | Stomach ulcers, intestinal diseases, frequent constipation. |
| Respiratory system | Lung disease, asthma, or other breathing difficulties. |
| Other medical conditions | Heart disease, decreased function of the adrenal glands. |
| Lifestyle | Frequent drinking of alcohol, use of other drugs (Substance use disorder). |
| Other medications | If you have taken MAOI medications (e.g. Parnate, Nardil) in the past 14 days. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to aspirin, oxycodone, or other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How to use this medicine correctly?
- Take this pill with a glass of water .
- Take it exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time.
- If you feel an upset stomach, take it with food . Or it doesn't matter whether you take it before or after a meal.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop suddenly.
- People over the age of 65 may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, so they may be prescribed a lower dose.
- This medicine is not approved for use in children . Therefore, avoid giving it to children.
Warning: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, take immediate action . If possible, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible. This is something that should not be delayed.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, absolutely. There is a high chance that this medicine may interact with other medications. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and herbal products.
| Never take it with these medications! | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Defibrotide |
| Ketorolac | Methotrexate |
| Probenecid | |
| Be very careful when using these medications together. | |
| Alcohol | Severe drowsiness and difficulty breathing may occur. |
| Other painkillers | NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen, and other opioid painkillers. |
| Anticoagulants | Drugs like Warfarin, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban. |
| Medications for mental illness | Medications for depression and anxiety. |
| Medications for insomnia | Drowsiness and slowed breathing may occur. |
| Medications for allergies | Many medications for allergies, coughs, and colds (antihistamines). |
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
Things to consider when taking medication
About pain and medication dosage
When you take this medicine for a long time, your body can become accustomed to it (tolerance). This means that you may need a slightly higher dose to control your pain than you used to. This is normal. This does not mean that you are "addicted" to the medicine. Addiction is the use of a medicine without a medical reason. Because you are in pain, you have a medical reason to take this medicine.
The most important thing is not to stop taking the medication suddenly without medical advice. Doing so can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. If you need to stop taking the medication, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
Drowsiness, breathing difficulties and Naloxone
This medicine may make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Therefore , avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medicine. Drinking alcohol can make this condition worse.
If you are taking other medicines that make you sleepy (e.g. sleeping pills, tranquilizers), there is a risk of very slow breathing (CNS depression). If you have difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness, or are so sleepy that you cannot get up , it is an emergency. Go to a hospital immediately. `(Naloxone)` is an emergency treatment for `(Opioid)` overdose. Ask your doctor about this.
Stomach problems
- Constipation: This is a common side effect of this medication. If you have not had a bowel movement for 3 days, talk to your doctor.
- Stomach ulcers and bleeding: This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. This can happen without warning . If you have stomach pain, blood in your vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black stools, seek medical advice immediately.
Other important points
- Skin reactions: Sometimes, even weeks after starting the medication, purple or red blisters or peeling skin may occur along with fever, body aches, and rash. If this happens, see a doctor immediately.
- Pregnancy: Taking this medication during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects in the baby. Therefore, pregnant women and those hoping to become pregnant should talk to their doctor about this.
- Dry mouth: If your mouth is dry, chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on unsweetened candy, or drinking lots of water may help.
What are the possible side effects?
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomiting blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds, dark brown/red urine. |
| Difficulty breathing | Slow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, unconsciousness. |
| Kidney or liver problems | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. |
| Hearing loss | Ringing in the ears or hearing loss. |
| Common (but tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome) | |
| Constipation | Dizziness, drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Headache, loss of appetite |
| Nausea, vomiting | Stomach discomfort |
Take-Home Message
- This is a powerful medicine for severe pain. Use it as directed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any illnesses you have.
- Never share this medicine with anyone else, and keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, black stools, or vomiting blood, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- It is very important for your safety to avoid drinking alcohol and driving while taking this medication.
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